Name of the Condition

• Neuroma of amputation stump, right upper extremity

Summary

• A neuroma of an amputation stump is a painful growth of nerve tissue that forms after an upper extremity amputation. It is often a result of nerve regeneration at the site of amputation.

Causes

• Neuromas occur when nerves that were cut during an amputation attempt to heal by forming new axons, which can create a tangled mass of nerve fibers.

Risk Factors

• Undergoing an upper extremity amputation.
• Inadequate nerve handling during surgery.
• Previous injuries to nerve tissue.

Symptoms

• Sharp, shooting pain at the stump site.
• Tingling or burning sensations.
• Sensitivity at the amputation site.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination focusing on the affected area.
• Ultrasound or MRI to identify the neuroma.
• Patient history of recent amputation.

Treatment Options

• Medications: Use of pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Therapies: Physical therapy to manage symptoms.
• Surgery: Surgically removing the neuroma or altering nerve pathways.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With proper treatment, most patients achieve some level of pain relief.
• Regular follow-ups may be essential to manage symptoms and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Complications

• Chronic pain at the stump site.
• Phantom limb pain if not adequately managed.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Proper surgical techniques during amputation to handle nerves carefully.
• Post-operative care with gradual physical rehabilitation.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or worsening pain at the amputation stump.
• Increased sensitivity hindering prosthetic use.

Additional Resources

• The Amputee Coalition website.
• American Pain Society for additional pain management resources.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate laterality when coding (right upper extremity).
• Verify the condition is post-amputation and caused by nerve tissue growth.
• Avoid coding errors by double-checking the diagnosis with T87.31.